Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) recently conducted a tax sensitization exercise in Busia under its “Tax Katale” initiative. During the outreach, the URA tax education team engaged traders in markets and business hubs, educating them on their tax obligations and the benefits of compliance.

The door-to-door campaign aimed to simplify tax processes, particularly for small business owners under the presumptive tax category.

According to Katumba Wilson, the Station Head of Busia Domestic Taxes, the initiative has been key in reaching out to presumptive taxpayers (small business owners) who form a significant part of the tax base.

“Being in a rural setting, nearly 80% of the taxpayers in our register are small business owners under the presumptive tax category. This door-to-door approach allows us to assess businesses, guide them on their tax responsibilities, and help them stay compliant,” Katumba explained.

By engaging traders directly, URA aims to simplify tax matters and ensure that businesses understand how taxation impacts their growth. This approach has not only improved awareness but has also contributed to increased revenue collection, as seen in similar campaigns across the country.

“Our goal is to bring tax services closer to the people. Many of our taxpayers are in the informal sector, and this initiative helps them transition into the formal economy, making it easier for us to collect for revenue for the country,” Katumba added.

Bukenya Andrew, the tax education team lead, emphasized the importance of personal engagement in addressing taxpayer concerns.

“Every taxpayer faces unique challenges. Through this initiative, we take the time to listen and provide tailored guidance, ensuring clarity and compliance,” Bukenya stated.

He further noted that the program also focuses on teaching small business owners how to self-assess their businesses and determine the appropriate taxes they need to pay.

The Tax Katale initiative reflects URA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships with taxpayers, making tax education accessible, and fostering a culture of voluntary compliance.

By Abdullah Rabiiba